Jayden Maiava: The Freshman Quarterback Who Keeps Rising to the Challenge
Imagine being a freshman quarterback with little game experience, suddenly thrust into the starting role. Many would struggle under the pressure, but Jayden Maiava embraced the challenge. When UNLV needed a leader to replace the injured Doug Brumfield, Maiava took it personally. He responded with an impressive performance, throwing for 261 yards and two touchdowns in a thrilling 40-37 victory. His breakout season saw him finish with 3,085 passing yards and 17 touchdowns, earning him the Mountain West Freshman Player of the Year award. His potential was undeniable.
Stepping Up Again at USC
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Recognizing his talent, USC recruited Maiava, and once again, he was called upon to replace a starting quarterback—this time, Miller Moss. He stepped in and won three of his four starts, including a crucial bowl game victory over the Utah State Aggies. As the 2025 season approached, expectations were high, and many believed Maiava could be the future leader of the USC Trojans. However, not everyone was convinced.
Doubts About Leadership and Transition to the Big Ten
Greg Katz, a college football analyst for ON3, raised concerns about Maiava’s ability to transition from the Mountain West Conference to the Big Ten, a far more competitive environment. During a March 12 episode of WeAreSC, Katz questioned whether Maiava possessed the leadership qualities needed to succeed at USC.
> “Is he a leader? Can he develop into one? I’m not sure,” Katz stated. While head coach Lincoln Riley has expressed excitement about Maiava, Katz pointed out that Riley’s job is to instill confidence in his players. He admitted that he had seen mistakes in Maiava’s game that left him uncertain about the quarterback’s future.
Analyzing Maiava’s Performance
Despite the skepticism, Maiava’s numbers from last season suggest he has the potential to prove doubters wrong. In USC’s loss to Notre Dame, he threw for 360 yards and three touchdowns—though he also had two interceptions and nearly gave up two pick-sixes. However, he bounced back with a strong performance in the Las Vegas Bowl, leading USC to a 35-31 win over Utah State.
Still, he has areas to improve, particularly in his rushing game. This will be critical as he faces competition from Husan Longstreet, a highly-rated five-star recruit with impressive arm talent. Longstreet threw for 3,013 yards and 24 touchdowns during his high school season, leading his team to the Southern Section Division 1 semifinals. With Longstreet in the mix, Maiava must become more consistent and refine his decision-making if he wants to secure the starting job.
Lincoln Riley’s Recruiting Strategy Comes Under Scrutiny
Another major issue for USC is Lincoln Riley’s recruiting approach. Since becoming head coach, Riley has faced criticism for failing to secure top-tier talent, particularly from California. Historically, USC’s dominance stemmed from recruiting in-state stars, which fueled the team’s success in the early 2000s.
USC Football General Manager Chad Bowden acknowledged this in a recent statement, pointing out that in 2005—when USC won its last national championship—80% of the roster was made up of California players.
> “I know the proof, and I know where it’s located,” Bowden stated, signaling a shift back toward in-state recruiting.
This shift is already evident. While USC’s 2025 class had just five California recruits, their 2026 class is ranked #1 in the country, featuring top four-star talents like RJ Sermons (CB), Brandon Lockhart (CB), Simone Katoanga (Edge), and Trent Mosley (WR)—along with several three-star recruits from California.
Can Maiava Silence the Doubters?
With USC focusing on revamping its roster, Maiava will have to prove himself quickly. His talent is undeniable, but the pressure is mounting, and competition for the starting quarterback spot is fierce. As spring practices begin, all eyes will be on whether he can take the next step in his development and lead USC to success in the Big Ten.
Will Jayden Maiava rise to the challenge again, or will the competition push him out of the starting role? The 2025 season will provide the answer.